Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Definition

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in a ligament of the knee. The ACL is a tough band of fiber in the middle of the knee joint. It connects the lower leg bone to the thigh bone. The ACL keeps the knee stable during movement by keeping the lower leg bone from sliding too far forward. An injury to this ligament can make the knee unstable. The injury may be partly torn or a complete tear.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury. Immediate care includes:

Rest—Avoiding activities that cause pain.

Ice—Regular icing in first few days may help slow swelling.

Compression—Compression bandages can provide gentle pressure to help move fluids out of the area.

Elevation—Keeping the knee elevated at rest can help fluids drain out of the area.

Nonsurgical Care

The ACL can not heal by itself but if the knee is fairly stable surgery may not be needed. This option may be best in those that are less active or elderly. Those that are highly active or wish to return to sports will probably need surgery.

A knee brace can help keep the knee stable. Crutches may also be helpful in the beginning.

Over-the-counter or prescription medications may be used to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed for those that are young and active or those that need to return to intense sports. It may also be needed if other ligaments of the knee are damaged or the knee is very unstable.

The surgery will use tissue from another part of the body to make a new ligament. It can take several months for the graft to become strong enough to return to sport activity.

Physical Therapy

The physical therapist can test your knee movement and develop a recovery plan. Therapy can include exercise and stretching programs to help balance the muscles of your legs. This can help stabilize the knee and decrease the risk of further injury.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.